Rukungiri Health Centre IV Records Increased Patient Numbers as Improved Service Delivery Attracts More Clients

Rukungiri Health Centre IV, popularly known as Rwamawa, has registered a significant increase in the number of patients seeking healthcare services, particularly maternity care, a development largely attributed to improved quality of service delivery and enhanced healthcare capacity at the government health facility.

The facility’s maternity ward, which has a capacity of only 11 beds, is currently operating beyond its intended capacity due to the increasing number of expectant mothers seeking both normal delivery and Caesarean Section (C-section) services.

To ensure that every mother continues to receive timely and quality healthcare, Rukungiri Health Centre IV has strengthened collaboration with Bugangari Health Centre IV. Under this arrangement, expectant mothers who are medically stable are referred to Bugangari Health Centre IV whenever the maternity ward at Rukungiri Health Centre IV reaches full capacity. The referred mothers continue to receive free government maternity services, with transportation facilitated by the health centre ambulance.

The Officer-in-Charge of Rukungiri Health Centre IV, Dr. Maureen Atwikirize, confirmed the increase in patient numbers, noting that demand for services has grown remarkably since the facility commissioned its operating theatre in November 2025, enabling it to offer comprehensive surgical services, including Caesarean Sections.

Dr. Atwikirize explained that the health centre has a total bed capacity of only 25 beds, with 11 designated for maternity services. Four of these beds are reserved for mothers recovering from Caesarean Section operations. However, due to the growing demand, the maternity ward is frequently filled by post-operative mothers, forcing the facility to temporarily admit mothers who have normal deliveries to the general ward.

She revealed that in one week alone, the health centre successfully conducted 16 Caesarean Section deliveries. During the month of June, the facility recorded more than 30 Caesarean Section deliveries and over 100 normal deliveries, an indication of the growing public confidence in the quality of healthcare services offered at the facility.

Dr. Atwikirize appealed to members of the public to understand that referrals to Bugangari Health Centre IV are made purely because of limited bed space and not due to negligence or inability by health workers to provide care.

“The increase in patient numbers is a positive sign that the public has confidence in our services. We remain committed to ensuring that every patient receives quality healthcare despite the challenges of limited space,” she said.

Statistics from the Office of the Principal Health Officer indicate a steady growth in service utilisation at Rukungiri Health Centre IV over the years. The facility recorded 721 deliveries in the 2021/2022 Financial Year, 752 in 2022/2023, 710 in 2023/2024, 710 in 2024/2025, and remarkable 1,003 deliveries in the 2025/2026 Financial Year—an increase of more than 290 deliveries compared to the previous financial year.

Antenatal Care (ANC) attendance also increased from 2,870 mothers in the 2021/2022 Financial Year to 3,705 in the 2025/2026 Financial Year.

Similarly, outpatient attendance rose from 19,567 patients to 20,577 during the same period, while admissions increased from 828 to 1,153, reflecting the growing demand for government health services.

Responding to the increasing demand for maternity services, the Rukungiri Municipal Council Town Clerk, Mr. Isaiah Tumwesigye, assured the public that Government is already addressing the challenge through the ongoing construction of a modern maternity ward extension at Rukungiri Health Centre IV.

He emphasized that referrals to Bugangari Health Centre IV should not be misinterpreted, noting that they are intended to ensure that mothers continue receiving safe and quality healthcare without delay.

“I appeal to the public to appreciate these referrals in good faith. They are made solely because of limited space at the facility and in the best interest of both the mother and the baby,” Mr. Tumwesigye said.

He further noted that upon completion, the new maternity ward will accommodate more than 60 mothers at a time, significantly improving service delivery, reducing congestion, and enhancing maternal healthcare services within Rukungiri Municipality.

The Principal Health Officer, Dr. Ahabwe, reminded members of the public that all services offered at Rukungiri Health Centre IV are provided free of charge as they are fully funded by the Government of Uganda. He urged residents to disregard misinformation suggesting that patients are required to pay for government healthcare services.

He commended the health workers at Rukungiri Health Centre IV for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving the community, noting that the growing number of patients is a clear reflection of public trust and confidence in the quality of services being delivered.

Rukungiri Municipality remains committed to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality healthcare services for all residents in line with the Government of Uganda’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage. Compiled by Maurice kemigisha the communications officer Rukungiri Municipali